Because of the digital revolution and more people working remotely, online communication methods are becoming increasingly popular. Conversing with a large group of people located in different parts of the world is the main goal. That’s what online webinar platforms are about.
Webinars and video conferencing are two media that get this right. Even though they seem to perform the same functions, they are different. So, let’s look at the two media and how they differ.
What Is A Webinar?
A webinar is a seminar or online presentation that allows you to share information with many people. Webinars have interactive elements that efficiently engage the audience and make communication a two-way process.
Online webinar platforms today offer a wide range of recording and publishing options. They have integrated with social media and other resources to allow more people to access them. These integrations help in scheduling and marketing the webinar. For instance, software that integrates with e-mails and your calendar allows you to send scheduled invites to registered attendees.
What Is A Video Conference?
A video conference works more like a video telephone call. The main purpose is to create an audio and video channel for interaction between two or more people. These people operate from different areas. All users will need a video camera, microphone, and speakers to hold a video conference.
The Difference Between Webinars and Video Conferences
People use both media to communicate or share information. But there is a marked difference between webinars and video conferences.
- Participation: In terms of active participation, you’ll find that webinars are slightly more one-sided than conferences. The speaker communicates with the audience situated remotely. Or he or she records the session and distributes it later. However, online webinar platforms promote interaction in the audience through polls, surveys, and feedback. Conferences are always real-time two-way communication between two or more people.
- Equipment: Video conferences need specialized equipment on both ends to work. With webinars, it’s sufficient if the speaker has tools, such as a quality video camera, speakers, venue, etc.
- Accessibility: Video conferences are slightly more common, especially in businesses for training and team meetings. That’s why they’re more accessible, with most laptops and desktops having Facetime, Hangouts, or Skype included on them. On the other hand, webinars need you to pick a solid online webinar platform. This is where interaction and hosting become smoother.
- Investment and Infrastructure: Since a person can host a video conference using common applications, he or she can manage it with minimal investment or infrastructure. Webinars offer a lot more, such as branding and customization of content polls. They also offer surveys, registration landing pages, e-mail, social media integrations, etc. Naturally, this comes at a price. Along with monthly and annual subscriptions, online webinar platforms offer a trial period for free services.
Online Webinar Platforms — Bridging the Gap
Often used interchangeably, both webinars and video conferences overlap at a point. Online webinar platforms, such as webinar.net, offer live webinars with excellent audio and video quality. Organizations can also set them up remarkably fast.
Like video conferencing platforms, webinar.net is web-based, and the user doesn’t need to download additional apps. It also comes with features that help the presenter connect with the audience. What’s more, organizations can record these webinars and post them online at a later date.
A New Reality
Today’s online webinar platforms are evolving to becoming the finest, most easily navigated means of communication for businesses. They offer video conferences and much more at reasonable rates, making communication possible globally.
